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Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Small vessel disease: Connections between the kidney and the heart
Jacob K Meariman1, Hannah Zulli1, Annalisa Perez1
1Section of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America.
Abstract:
Small vessel disease is characterized by global dysfunction of the microvascular system leading to reduced perfusion of various organ systems. The kidney is significantly vulnerable for microvascular dysfunction given its intricate capillary network and extensive endocrine influence. Studies have demonstrated a relationship between impaired renal function and small vessel disease in other organ systems, particularly the heart. Here we discuss the relationship between the kidney and the heart in the setting of microvascular dysfunction and identify areas of future study to better understand this relationship and potentially identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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